1
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion
the exhilaration of victory that spectators get to witness at the Olympic Games
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exhilaration
With Spoelstra appreciative of the emotional drain of the experience, as well as the eventual exhilaration.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
My thoughts were a mixture of exhilaration and terror.
—Lloyd Blankfein, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
But there is also a pure exhilaration in standing on that last precipice, face-to-face with the question that exists beyond all other questions—which is to say, God.
—Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
My thoughts were a mixture of exhilaration and terror.
—Lloyd Blankfein, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
In the popular overture, elicitation of tumult concludes, with startling exhilaration, in the kind of grand Beethovenian triumph that never fails to excite.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
Noun
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Here’s what to look forward to at each stop on the ultimate thrill seeker’s road trip.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
14 Apr. 2026
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For Toni, the ride was about more than just the thrill.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The takedown resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of 27 firearms, roughly four pounds of cocaine, more than 130 pounds of marijuana, as well as fentanyl, ecstasy and cash, according to officials.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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Most recently, on March 22, one of the family's dogs again became ill after eating an unknown substance in the front yard, and tested positive for both methamphetamine and MDMA, or ecstasy.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The spicy, savory kick of cowboy butter elevates a humble pan of sautéed meatballs into your family's new favorite dinner.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fray was seen holding his upper thigh area immediately after extending on a high kick to clear the ball just before exiting the game.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The thing that draws so many folks to New England and gives us such joy in the summertime can be an absolute party-pooper in the spring.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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On the lighter end of the dark comedy spectrum, Ruthless People is an utter joy from beginning to end, a mid-80s classic that still sparkles today.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Restaurant owners express elation, hoping the prestigious nod will elevate their cultural heritage and inspire others to seek out authentic cuisines.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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All the energy and elation, agony and anguish?—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Though her character finds romantic happiness with Will Schuester, her role grew smaller as the actress pursued opportunities on series like The Millers and The League.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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Another close-up shot reflected his happiness, as he could be seen smiling widely at the camera with palm trees behind him.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The euphoria sent global equities rocketing on hopes the crisis that has shocked the global economy for more than a month will come to an end.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Such uncertainty caused some of the euphoria that fueled financial markets in the morning to fade as Wednesday’s trading progressed, and financial markets have been prone to sharp and sudden reversals since the war began.—
Stan Choe,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In Catholic theology, purgatory is the in-between—not heaven, not hell, but a passage of purification before something better.—
Geoff Curtis,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
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In an interview ahead of Palm Sunday, senior pastor Robert Jeffress reflected on specific scripture that says the whole world will burn someday, but there will be a new heaven and a new earth with Christ.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilaration. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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